Cant

/kænt/ noun

Definition

insincere or hypocritical talk, especially about morality or religion; jargon used by a specific group.

Etymology

From Old North French 'cant,' meaning 'to sing' or 'to speak in a singsong way.' Related to Latin 'cantare.' It originally meant boring, repetitive speech that sounds pretty but means nothing.

Kelly Says

The word 'cant' comes from singing—imagine boring religious chanting that sounds pretty but is totally insincere. The meaning perfectly captures how people use pretty words to hide ugly motives!

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